Published by A. S. BARNES & BURR, 51 & 53 John street. PROFESSOR OF MATHEMATICS, COLUMBIA COLLEGE, NEW YORK. THIS work is intended to occupy a middle ground between the Elementary, or non-mathematical, and the higher treatises on Mechanics. The propositions are mainly demonstrated by the aid of the elementary analysis, though, in a few instances, the Calculus has been employed. To adapt it to the wants of those institutions in which the Calculus is not studied, an Appendix has been added, in which all of the propositions involving the Calculus are demonstrated by Elementary Mathematics only. Price, $1.25. ENTERED, according to Act of Congress, in the year Eighteen Hundred and Sixty, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern District of New York. G. W. WOOD, PRINTER. WILLIAM DENYSE, STEREOTYPER, PREFACE. THE rapid spread of scientific knowledge, and the continually widening field of its application to the useful arts, have created an increased demand for new and improved text-books on the various branches of NATURAL PHILOSOPHY. Of the elementary works that have appeared within a few years, those of M. GANOT stand preeminent, not only as popular treatises, but as thoroughly scientific expositions of the principles of PHYSICS. His "Traité de Physique" has not only met with unprecedented success in France, but has been extensively used in the preparation of the best works on Physics that have been issued from the American press. In addition to the "Traité de Physique," which is intended for the use of Colleges and higher institutions of learning, M. GANOT has recently published a more elementary work, adapted to the use of schools and academies, in which he has faithfully preserved the prominent features and all the scientific accuracy of the larger work. It is characterized by a well-balanced distribution of subjects, a logical development of scientific principles, and a remarkable clearness of definition and explanation. In addition, it is profusely illustrated with beautifully executed engravings, admirably calculated to convey to the mind of the student a clear conception of the principles unfolded. Their completeness and accuracy are such as to enable the teacher to dispense with much of the apparatus usually employed in teaching the elements of Physical Science. In preparing an American edition of this work on POPULAR PHYSICS, it has not been the aim of the editor to produce a strict translation. No effort, however, has been spared to preserve throughout, the spirit and method of the original work. No changes have been made, except such as have, seemed calculated to harmonize it with the system of instruction pursued in the schools of our country. By a special arrangement with M. GANOT, the American publishers are enabled to present fac-simile copies of all the original engravings. NEW YORK, June 1st, 1860. NOTE. At the request of many teachers, a chapter has been prepared on the Application of Physical Principles to Machines. NEW YORK, June, 1861. CONTENTS. II.-MEASURE OF THE ELASTIC FORCE OF GASES.. |